2026-07-12

Exemptions from the requirement for a permanent residence permit to obtain Swedish citizenship

From 12 July, as a general rule, permanent residence permits will no longer be granted. Consequently, some people with temporary residence permits may apply for Swedish citizenship without having a permanent residence permit.

Until now, it has been a requirement to have a permanent residence permit in order to become a Swedish citizen. Now, some people can apply for Swedish citizenship even if they do not have a permanent residence permit. This exemption applies if you have one of the following temporary residence permits:

a long-term resident status in Sweden
as a refugee or person in need of subsidiary protection
on the grounds of exceptionally distressing circumstances
on the grounds of certain persistent impediments to enforcement of expulsion
as a family member of a person who has a residence permit for one of the reasons mentioned above.

To be eligible for the exemption, you must have well-founded prospects of being granted a long-term residence permit. If you have been resident in Sweden for at least ten years and meet the other requirements for Swedish citizenship, the requirement for well-founded prospects of being granted a long-term residence permit does not apply.

Assessment of well-founded prospects

Well-founded prospects of being granted a long-term residence permit means that a person is considered to have a good chance of having their residence permit extended in the future. The Swedish Migration Agency always makes an individual assessment in each case.

Application requirements

You must still have a valid residence permit when you apply for Swedish citizenship. You cannot apply for citizenship while waiting for a decision on the extension of your residence permit. Other requirements in order to become a Swedish citizen, such as proven identity, habitual residence and maintenance requirement, apply as usual.

People with permanent residence permits

If you already have a permanent residence permit, you are not affected by the new rules.